Grammy Museum Mississippi '80s Rock Exhibit Toasts 'Wildest Decade'
Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Lita Ford & More Featured in New Exhibit
Rock music from the 1980s doesn't get a lot of respect, with much of the focus going to such dated style elements as big hair and heavy eyeliner. The curators at Grammy Museum Mississippi have decided, in the immortal words of Twisted Sister, "We're Not Gonna Take It."
In their new exhibit "'80s Rock: The Wildest Decade in Music," Grammy Museum Mississippi tells the story of what it calls "one of the most under-appreciated eras in rock history." The exhibit will explore how hair metal and glam metal became so popular and why their fans remain loyal to this day.
Featured Artists & Artifacts:
- Ozzy Osbourne - Stage costume
- Mötley Crüe - Complete drum kit
- Def Leppard - Washburn bass guitar
- Guns N' Roses - Smashed bass and Appetite for Destruction lithograph
- Heart - Pink bodice worn by Nancy Wilson
- Lita Ford - "Black Widow" guitar and stage outfit
- Poison - Autographed guitars and memorabilia
- Ratt - Performance guitar
- Warrant - Signed drumhead
- Mark Weiss - Rare photographs from the era
"We couldn't be more excited to debut our new special exhibit ''80s Rock: The Wildest Decade in Music'," said Emily Havens, executive director of Grammy Museum Mississippi. "Not only is this genre of music one of my personal favorites, but the bands who were launching their careers on the Sunset Strip during this decade made an impact on young people that has lasted for generations."
The exhibit will open to the public on Friday, September 26, and will be on display through 2026. It will feature artifacts and memorabilia from bands who made a huge splash during the '80s, including Mötley Crüe, Poison, Skid Row, Warrant, Ratt, Guns N' Roses, Cinderella, Def Leppard, Lita Ford and Vixen.
Fans will also have the opportunity to have their photo taken in front of a large backdrop depicting the exterior of the iconic Sunset Strip venue Whisky a Go Go, bringing visitors directly into the heart of the '80s rock scene.
An exclusive pre-opening event will be held Thursday, September 25, at 6 p.m., featuring a reception and program with stories and conversation from members of Twisted Sister. Grammy Museum Mississippi is located in Cleveland, Mississippi, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.